cGaming

You can apply for or renew lottery licences/permits and submit event specific report forms by email, or mail. For in-person service you must book an appointment through the online booking system (walk-ins will not be accepted). For more information, email lotterylicences@toronto.ca or call 416-392-7037.

cGaming is the conversion of paper based bingo halls to cGaming centres that offer, in addition to classic bingo games (such as paper bingo, paper break-open tickets and instant tickets), a wide variety of modern games with innovative technology and graphics, such as eBingo, Tap Tix electronic break-open tickets and Play on Demand (POD) games.

Applying for a cGaming Permit is a three-step process:

Step 1 - Applying for a cGaming Eligibility Review

An organization may apply for an eligibility review if it is a charitable, non-profit and/or religious organization who can demonstrate that it meets all of the following mandatory structural requirements:

Has carried out charitable programs/services for a minimum of one year that provide a direct benefit to Toronto residents (must have physical address in Ontario).
Demonstrates in the organization’s operating budget and/or financial statement that a minimum of 10% of the total yearly revenue is generated from sources other than Gaming events.
Has the capacity to provide a minimum of six to eight bona-fide members at least 18 years of age.

To apply for an eligibility review, the organization must submit the following documents:

A completed and signed cGaming Eligibility Review Application which includes a cGaming Centre placement request.
Organization’s constitution and/or by-laws, signed and dated
Letters Patent, along with all supplementary versions if applicable
List of current Board of Directors (showing name, position in the organization, address, phone number and email address)
Operating budget for current and past year, including all sources of revenue and expenses
Most recent audited financial statement, signed
- If gross annual revenue is less than $250,000 the financial statement must be prepared in accordance with the standards set out in the CIS Handbook. If gross annual revenue is $250,000 or more, it must also be audited by a public accountant.
Revenue Canada notification of Charitable designation, if applicable
Most recent documents filed with Revenue Canada (T3010), if the organization is registered as a charity under the Charities Accounting Act or Income Tax Act
Six to eight bona-fide members, at least 18 years of age, one of which will be the volunteer coordinator, to be trained and attend on behalf of the organization at a cGaming centre
List of proposed use of lottery proceeds (kindly provide specific items)
Membership list, if applicable
Brochures, pamphlets and/or any other information describing programs/services offered to residents of the City of Toronto

Note: The cGaming Eligibility and Use of Proceeds Guidelines will be referenced by the licensing officer in their assessment of the organization’s eligibility and use of proceeds.

Incomplete application submissions will be returned to the applicant.

Once received, Gaming Services will process the eligibility review and provide a written decision within 30 business days.

Once eligible, the organization may proceed to Step 2.

Step 2 - Placement at a cGaming Bingo Centre

If availability exists, an organization will be considered for placement at one of the cGaming Bingo Centres in Toronto. If none exists, the organization will be placed on a Bingo Waiting List.

Prior to being placed, the eligible organization must also:

Attend a cGaming orientation hosted by City of Toronto, Gaming Services, with at least 2 of the organization’s principal officers. A Gaming Services Licensing Officer will contact the organization with the details of the orientation.
Provide a completed cGaming Bona Fide Member Volunteer List
Submit a Letter of Intent, expressing the organization’s interest in cGaming
- The letter must be on letterhead, dated and signed by two principal officers who have signing authority on behalf of the organization

Gaming Services will provide the organization with a letter confirming placement at a cGaming Bingo Centre and highlighting the organization’s participation requirements.

Once the confirmation letter is received the organization may proceed to Step 3.

Step 3 - cGaming Permit Application Process

Contact the cGaming bingo coordinator at the cGaming Bingo Centre, identified in the organization’s Placement Letter to schedule the bona-fide member volunteer training.
Set-up a separate cGaming business bank account – see excerpt from Policies and Standards for Charities – section 12 Banking Requirements.
Complete cGaming Permit Application. First time applicants may email the signed and completed form to the licensing officer. For subsequent cGaming permit application submissions, forward to the cGaming bingo coordinator.

Stakeholder Roles

Ontario Lottery Gaming Corporation (OLG):

Conduct and Manage the cGaming Centre through a contract with Service Provider (operator of cGaming Centre)

Ontario Charitable Gaming Association (OCGA):

Provide support to charities
Develop policies and procedures, in consultation with OLG and Municipalities

Municipality:

Determine applicants eligibility
Issue Permits
Determine, based on financial needs, number of participation assignments allotted to charity
Monitor use of proceeds